Acts 4:12

Acts 4:12

Peter’s declaration occurs in the aftermath of the healing and the Sanhedrin’s interrogation. In the environment of pluralistic religious options and devotion to the law, Peter stresses the exclusivity of salvation in Christ. He asserts that there is no other name under heaven by whom people can be saved. The name here points to Jesus’ person and authority, especially his death and resurrection, which provide the decisive means of reconciliation with God. This is not a mere slogan but a claim about the sufficiency and uniqueness of Jesus in the cosmic drama of salvation.

The verse foregrounds soteriology—how salvation is obtained—and emphasizes the centrality, sufficiency, and exclusivity of Christ in Christian faith. It challenges pluralistic impulses by claiming that true saving access is found only in Jesus. This affirmation shapes early Christian mission: to call others to faith in Jesus’ name. It also ties together faith, grace, and the person of Christ as the hinge of salvation. Theologically, it upholds the doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Christ, not by works of law or human merit.

In a world of many “paths,” this verse invites thoughtful consideration and bold proclamation of the gospel. Practical steps: (1) share clearly who Jesus is and what he accomplished—his life, death, and resurrection—as the basis for salvation. (2) demonstrate the life-transforming power of faith in Jesus in everyday behavior. (3) cultivate humility in ecumenical dialogue while remaining faithful to the core claim that salvation is found in Jesus alone. This does not require arrogance but a confident, compassionate invitation: “There is a name by which we are saved.” (4) Encourage people to evaluate claims about truth honestly, inviting them to examine the evidence of Jesus’ work in their lives.

Cross-References

- John 14:6

- Acts 3:6

- Romans 10:13

- 1 Timothy 2:5

- Philippians 2:9-11